Israel Now

Is the future of American Jewry secure?

In 1939, my father, Joe Kupfer, was on his way back to college from Poland to Belgium. The Nazis caught him at the border and he spent the next six years in a series of labor camps, culminating in Auschwitz.

"I was as shocked when the Nazi's grabbed me, as you'd be if it happened in America today," my father always told me. "It happened overnight. One day, life was normal. Then suddenly everything changed."

For Jews, it's an unfortunate but familiar story. From Egypt to Babylon, from Spain to Germany, the pattern repeats: Jews establish themselves in a country, prosper, and then begin to assimilate. Never was this was more profoundly expressed than by the Jews of early 20th century Germany, who called Berlin "the New Jerusalem."

We know the terrible end of this story. You would think that by now Jews would have gotten the message. And yet, we continue to repeat the mistake and miss the proverbial message on the wall.

Berlin is not Jerusalem. Boro Park and Monsey are not the Garden of Eden.

What exactly is that message?

Berlin is not Jerusalem. Boro Park and Monsey are not the Garden of Eden. And America is not "the Golden Medina."

God wants the Jewish people to be a light unto the nations, to teach, by example, what it means to live by the highest standards in all areas of life. That means being different, unique -- in our customs, diet, and view of the world.

That explains, in part, why we were sent into exile. When we moved away from Torah, the light became too small. So we had to be dispersed throughout the world, as little flames to teach humanity the Torah's values.

In some cases we succeeded, and in others we failed. In either case, the time has come to return to our destiny, united in the Land of Israel.

God will have compassion on you and will return and gather you from all the nations amongst whom God has scattered you. If you are outcast in the utmost parts of heaven, from there will God gather you and from there will he bring you back and God will bring you into the land that your father's possessed. And you shall possess it, and He will do you good and multiply you more than your fathers. (Deut. 30:3-5)

WHY ISRAEL?

In the Torah, God tells Abraham to go to the Land of Israel -- "Lech lecha." The Midrash translates these words as "Go for yourself." God was telling Abraham that to take upon himself the challenge of moving to Israel, would not only be best for the future of the Jewish people, but would also be the best thing for him and his family. Yes, on one hand Israel has its difficulties, but on the other hand, it is the greater source of personal fulfillment.

Anyone who visits Israel can attest to an intangible quality that touches the recesses of every Jewish heart, and brings out the latent spiritual potential of every Jew. In the holy land, everyone feels closer to God. No matter who you are, or what level of observance, Israel is the place where a Jew can feel his essence.

But it goes beyond the realm of fulfillment. For a Jew, living outside of Israel is by definition a temporary station. Things may prosper for a few decades, or even centuries, but it is never permanent.

For a Jew living outside of Israel, things may prosper for a few decades, but it is never permanent.

The story is told of Rabbi Berel Wein who was building a new synagogue in Monsey. The contractor told him that he could order either American lumber -- which was guaranteed to last 90 years, or special Finnish lumber -- guaranteed for 150 years. Rabbi Wein told the builder, "We'll take the American lumber." Why? Because Jewish permanence in America is not the goal, Rabbi Wein explained, and historically, very few buildings have remained in Jewish hands for more than 90 years.

Unquestionably, America has been a remarkably kind and generous host to the Jews. Yet America is not our permanent home. Things may be bigger and fancier than in Israel, but they are indeed less permanent.

Rabbi Chaim Brovender tells the story of the famous Apollo Theater in New York. Originally, this building was a magnificent synagogue that held 600 people. Every Shabbos, it was teeming with children and adults coming to pray together as a vibrant Jewish community. But the neighborhood changed, Jews moved out, and the once-beautiful shul became an empty, dilapidated building... eventually sold and converted into the Apollo Theatre.

In Israel you don't find such a phenomena, Rabbi Brovender said. The shul that you pray in will be the shul you show your grandchildren. It will never become the Apollo Theatre.

TURNING UP THE HEAT

If we trace the steps of previous exiles, we can see how the pattern has begun in our generation. The Durban circus kicked off a new wave of worldwide anti-Semitism. Syria now sits on the UN Security Council. And with Bin Laden saying that Israeli policy is responsible for terror in America, it could open a Pandora's box of anti-Semitism.

When America's interests and Israeli interests collide, as when President Bush told Israel, "America's war comes first," American Jews are in the most awkward position. Since the September 11 attacks, some American military officials have perceived a new sense of mistrust and antagonism, their Jewishness being the only apparent reason.

If America should decide, in conjunction with the U.N., to impose a military solution on the Palestinian question, every American Jew will be a target of the infamous dual-loyalty question: "Whose side are you on?"

As the heat turns up, we need to take a step back and look at the big picture of where this may be heading. If this was 1933 -- some warning signs, but no concrete trouble yet -- what would you do?

Leah Rabin, the wife of Yitzhak Rabin, recalled that after Hitler's rise to power in 1933, her father said, "He is going to kill all of us." So the family packed everything and moved to pre-state Israel. That decision saved their family. Her father's friends thought he was crazy to give up the comforts of Europe for a barren desert. Yes, in 1933, he was crazy. But in 1943, he was a man of vision.

They thought he was crazy to give up the comforts of Europe for a barren desert.

Stop and think for a moment. We cannot ignore the possibilities. Now is the time to look beyond our current comforts and lifestyles and see the reality changing before our eyes. If it really was 1933, what would you do? Sell all your things and pack? Buy real estate in Israel?

Perhaps it is not realistic to drop everything and start packing. What should we do?

Take a step in the right direction. If you've never visited Israel, plan a trip now. For 7, 10, 14 days. If you've been to Israel before, plan a longer trip: Spend the summer and send the kids to camp in Israel, or arrange for a year-long leave of absence or Sabbatical in Israel.

If you have ever contemplated Aliyah, set a target date.

At the very least, take one concrete step to shift your focus to Israel as the land of Jewish destiny.

We hope and pray for peace in America, in Israel, and in every corner of the world. But we must be realistic as well. The sands of history are shifting. God loves us and won't let us disappear into the oblivion of assimilation.

My father, after surviving Auschwitz and weighing 76 pounds, used to say, "There are two ways to go to Israel. You can get in an airplane, or you can try to swim there." One way or another, we all make it home.

About the Author

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 34

(34)
Marlene,
January 27, 2015 1:08 AM

That's exactly right! A great article perfectly relevant for these times.

(33)
richard,
March 19, 2009 12:31 AM

American Jewish Condition

I am not Jewish, but watch what is going on on University campuses. What was radical thinking when I was in College is policy in Government now. What is being pushed on many campuses is anti-Israel and not to subtley anti-semitic. A definite change has come and I see growing possiblity of a fascist shift not from the right as many think, but the left. I greatly fear we are going down a road towards a dark time. One never wants to think his country could turn against everything it ever stood for but it has happened before and it seems every time Jews pay for it. I hope I am wrong but in the event I am not, now would be a great time to get out.

(32)
Anonymous,
March 13, 2002 12:00 AM

House vs. Home

America is my house-but Israel is my HOME.

(31)
Kay Cartee,
January 21, 2002 12:00 AM

Makes me think, as I am Jewish and in America.

Never been to Israel. Is it time? If not now, When? My family came here to excape do I need to return to excape? Thanks for the thought.

(30)
Kim D,
December 17, 2001 12:00 AM

Amein!

This article was wonderful! I really think that its so important that more Jews come live in the Holy Land. Living there bring us closer to the Sh'chinah of Hashem. Also, I feel like Hashem is whistling for us to come back home. Sadly, we often get comfterable in the disapera and put our physical quality of life before our spiritual quality of life. It's time to go home!

(29)
Ursula Kehrli,
December 3, 2001 12:00 AM

One step

Thanks for this encouraging article. One step for me is to learn Hebrew. One sign of love for Israel!! Next step to help Israel I am looking forward, when I plan my next journey to Israel in 2002. Shalom to Israel!

(28)
david buxbaum,
November 17, 2001 12:00 AM

excellent article

the need to revive aliya among our people in the USA and elsewhere cannot be more obvious;wonderful article

(27)
Anonymous,
November 10, 2001 12:00 AM

Wonderful!

I'm so happy to read an article like this. Aish really has the best articles. I intend to move to Israel this year, and every day I yearn for our beloved land. For those who can't go now to Israel, please yearn sincerely for the land and support it in every possible way. The future of the Jewish People is in Israel. We're in the last of the four kingdoms' exiles. The time has come, my friends! If you think it's difficult to emigrate now, read on "Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom" his saga to go to israel, and you'll realize how much effort it's worth to do in order to get there. Please, do never say that Israel doesn't need you or you can help more by living in the exile, G-d forbid. The People of Israel, the Land of Israel and the Torah form an eternal triangle. Please hold tight to all of them and be happy!
See you in Jerusalem the Holy City!!

(26)
Anonymous,
November 8, 2001 12:00 AM

I wish we had done it earlier!

Hear it from a family that made Aliya just 2 weeks ago!! We are very happy here. Life is great. We have everything that we need. The comforts of America nad the spirituality of Eretz Israel. Do you let your kids out of your site in America for hours on end? we do it here every day. My kids have developed wings! They are different kids, much happier. Please come and see it for yourself. I wish we had done it earlier.

(25)
Anonymous,
November 8, 2001 12:00 AM

I don't believe that most Americans(or American Jews for that matter realize just how much Anti-American Foreign policy(pro-Palestinian) and anti-Israel feeling is brewing under the surface with Ameican Muslims. I found out the hard way. Boy was I naive! I recently(after Sept. 11) visited Muslim friends whose wedding I had attended 3 years ago. I was concerned as to how they were doing and wanted to see their toddler son. I even brought a letter of friendship that I gave my girlfriend as I left. Her husband however,(a resident training to be a doctor; from an affluent family) started to lecture me on the Palestinian plight, and wanted to know if I knew why the terroists were so angry. He cited the Palestinian plight as the reason, and was obviously anti-Israel. He went on to say that even Christian professors would agree that Israel took land or purchased land that they had no right to have. He must have thought that I would be sympathetic to the Palestinian issue, since I was a friend. Boy was he barking up the wrong tree! He went on to say that even his former "Jewish" roommate hated Israel. Could he actually believe thatI would agree, and denounce Israel like his so called "Jewish" roommate? He must be joking! Being that I was the only Jew in a Muslim home with about 10 Muslim's there; I decided that if I just listened, I would see the true colors of how "moderate" Muslim-Americans actually felt. What a lesson I learned! On the TV show 60 minutes they recently told viewers how Islam is the fastest growing religion in the U.S. If Muslim immigration continues at this rate; so grows the power of the Muslim vote, and so grows the strength of the anti-Israel sentiment here in our own country. Are we going the be complacent about this issue? One day we'll all suddenly wake up like Rumplstilskin(however it's spelled)and wonder how we as Jews are in the mess that we'll be in. We need to open our eyes and see the handwriting on the wall now, rather than when it's too late. A non-Jewish friend felt that we could ultimately see a Jewish-Muslim rift grow to the point of a scene in this country like that of the 1960's demonstrations and riots. What do you think?

(24)
Anonymous,
November 7, 2001 12:00 AM

The simple truth

Thank you for the thought provoking article.I hope some people will be willing to believe the truth.It seems to disturb those not wanting to acknowledge the truth.
To the "alarmist" who says "Where do you see a Jew hating party being elected in the U.S.A.????" and concluding that an upcoming persecution in these U.S. is 100% ridiculous,I ask was it a U.S.A. elected party that took down the twin towers or spread anthrax?
To the ones "still in exile" who falsely claim "Until we have become the Perfected Jew...the Galut will not be complete" I reply the Jews will first return to their land before they are perfected.Secondly isn't living in Eretz Yisroel a step in perfection?!
To those waiting to hear from the Rabbis - Why when it comes to this do you wait for them? Would you truthfully listen to them if they told you to make a major change in your daily life? If you do understand on your own that it is the right thing to do - THEN DO IT! Don't wait for anyone else.
Finally, anyone interested in seeing the truth on this matter should read "Eim Habanim Semeichah" written by Harav Yisachar Shlomo Teichtal and published by KOL MEVASER PUBLICATIONS in English.

(23)
,
November 7, 2001 12:00 AM

I understand all

I read all of the comments to this interesting article. I can't imagine that all can be answered here, but understand that for those still clinging to America, yes she has been a wonderful host - but please don't try and and find exact comparisons with Germany for of course things have changed, but in general the situation was exactly the same, people believed that all will be well.
I don't know if now the problem will arise, but it is certain that the "hate" flame burns, whether on low or high, it might be a matter of a short or long time.
BUT not withstanding, we must all understand that our place is in Israel, maybe its not so comfortanbe to think so for some people currently but truth is truth this is truly our home.
As for those who claim that there is yet what to do for Teshuva, this is of course true but who told you that because of this you don't have to come to Israel. Parden me but all is from Hashem, maybe the fact that you are capable of coming by plane should be enough to prove what Hashem wants, and when you come you may help with your personal greatness and Torah to help make Israel a place full of Jewish spirit.
And last for those seeking and waiting for the Rabbis. I don't Chas Veshalom meen to be chutzpadic but maybe there are reasons, great reasons for there silence, I can think of some, but I suppose that on a presonal basis 1 on 1 many will tell what you wait to hear.
I recommend reading the book by Rabbi Yissachar Teichtel, in hebrew called "Em Habanem Smacha", I believe Felheim printed an English version. This great and holy man can help solve many of your thoughts. As a Rabbi during the Holocaust, he spels the whole truth that he found (too late to help himself. Read and I am sure that you will find your answers there.
Good Luck and Welcome H-O-M-E!

(22)
,
November 6, 2001 12:00 AM

I want to come home!

When I went to Israel 7 long years ago, I was welcomed on the tarmac with "Welcome Home!", and felt at home for 10 glorious days. I would go back in a second, no matter how dangerous everyone tells me it is. After September 11th, "danger" has taken a backseat - when times are as they are today, I want to go home!

(21)
Bonnie White,
November 6, 2001 12:00 AM

Only Jew to Leave

i am glad i am not the only jew that wants to leave my American home. My husband said i was the Only Jew wanting to leave. He is not going. i feel an unexplanable urgency to myself of a need to hurry or i will be unable to leave and my not being able to leave is not because of the terminal illness i supposedly have (am doing well), or that because i am 57 and will need to hunt for a sweeping floor job, but because i have a fear of waiting too long and not being allowed to leave. i know it is ridiculous but it is the way i feel. One gentlemen on these comments stated there were differences between germany and USA saying it was safer here then in germany. I am not so sure as it is unacceptable to me to have 12% antisemites in America. One said there will be another dispersion and it is not safe to live in Israel. Israel is where "He that is, IS". Am i truly safe anywhere but where "I am that I am" is. bonnie

(20)
Anonymous,
November 6, 2001 12:00 AM

I lived in Iran during the Islamic revolution and witnessed how everything changed overnight.I will not surprise me if it happened here in U.S.

(19)
Zoe Levine,
November 6, 2001 12:00 AM

Thank You ...

So relevant and so powerful...
And much to consider...

(18)
sara Rigler,
November 6, 2001 12:00 AM

Response to 2 readers' comments

To the person who wrote: "Jews in Germany were never as closely accepted there as they are here in America," I beg to point out that the intermarriage rate in Germany in 1930 was 40%. That's why one of the Nazis' first laws prohibited Jews cohabiting with "Aryans."
To the woman who wrote that she can't come to Israel because she is older, single, and sick, and "Israel has enough barnacles," as an Israeli, I reject the comparison and invite you to come here. Every Jew is like a letter in the Torah. If one letter is missing, the entire sefer Torah is posul--unkosher for use. Come!

(17)
Chaim Baker,
November 6, 2001 12:00 AM

Why are they silent??

Especially since the September 11 event, we have had feelings to go 'home'. Family members of mine are yearning to go. "When will Moshiach be here?" is asked every day by my wife and children. Yet, strangely enough, it seems that our Gedolim, our great rabbis, are still silent. Why have they not been speaking up daily about our need to go home? Many Jews in America will start packing only when they hear from these Gedolei Torah - the Torah leaders - that the time is right to do so. I'd like to know how they see the present situation.

(16)
ANK,
November 6, 2001 12:00 AM

a different opinion

As a member of the American Council of Judaism (an organization which rejects any form of Jewish nationalism. I must state thatAmerica has and forever will be my permanent home. To quote Isaac Meyer Wise,a great American Jewish Theologian, "America is my Palestine and Washington is my Jerusalem." My loyalties are first, foremost and only to the United States. IN a hypothetical war against the U.S. and Israel, I would fight on the side of the U.S. to whom my alliegiance is pledged. To me Israel is just another foreign country on the U.N. role call. As far as I am concerned my respect for Israel diminishes daily especially when this is a country which allows radicals like the Shas party to exert too much influence in governmental affairs and discriminates against non-orthodox Jews. I abide by the 1885 Pittsburgh Platform which states that Judaism is a religion, NOT an ethnicity, nation, or people.

(15)
Braha Dora Sabina,
November 6, 2001 12:00 AM

this is obviously a real issue

WOW!! Mrs. Buxbaum, my neighbor, your article sure is generating a lot of passionate responses! Of all the responses recieved (I read all of them), not one was just a plain old "thanks for the article,it was food for thought" one. No-one's pareve about this. To me, that means it's a real issue, real meaning needing to be dealt with. And as for how to deal with it as far as I understand-stop being defensive, Jews living in Galut/exile! Read the Torah and move on over! G-d loves us and gave us these instructions for our true and pleasurable good! I bless us all with serenity and love and support in making good desicions-and making them! ps-No Jew I've spoken to is impassionate about this issue. Whether they disagree or agree with either opinion, every one is passionate about it. It's a practical choice, becoming more pratical and at-hand all the time, perhaps...at least according to the indications mentioned in this article.

(14)
Gila Rabinowitz,
November 5, 2001 12:00 AM

a one timer!

For once somoene has said what needs to be said. I think people need to be made aware of the importance of living in Israel, and made aware of the fact that "aliya" is not only a zionisticly orientated concept- its something which applies to every single jew- pro israel, or not. Too many people make the mistake of associating our homeland with political zionism. They should read the gemaras, read the Torah, and it is in fact a mitsva- acc. to some opinions. Lets face the truth and do something before it G-d forbid becomes too late!

(13)
Mike Dial,
November 5, 2001 12:00 AM

Take me with you

I'm an atheist, but if the U.S. doesn't stand up for Israel and if Jews here feel that they have to leave for their own safety, I'm going with them. I wouldn't feel safe here either.

(12)
Anonymous,
November 5, 2001 12:00 AM

Response to Israel Article

Dear Ms. Buxbaum, Excellent Article. Fifteen Years ago, my mother OBM, with her last breath told us in Yiddish: Don't rely/trust in the Galuth. Establish something in Israel so that the children will have a place to stay and not have to wander on the streets. When I see the perfidy of Organizations like the Red Cross which collaborated with the Nazis and to this day excludes Israel, while allowing the the Red Crescent, the influence of the most virulent anti-semitic Islamists in prestigious college campuses, the way that Jewish blood is held cheap, after all Arafat is not a terrorist,while the IRA is, one sees that the Galuth even in America is a fragile thing. We can rely only on G-d and on ourselves because Ishmael and Esau are still the same.

(11)
DOV BEN ESSINE,
November 5, 2001 12:00 AM

A TIMELY ARTICLE

AS A HOLOCOAST (DUTCH) SURVIVOR,I TEND TO AGREE WITH YOUR ARTICLE.IT IS CERTAINLY DIFFICULT TO IMAGINE THE JEWISH PROBLEM TO BE REVISITED AGAIN IN THE USA.I DO BELIEVE WHAT BEN GURION SAID .IN ORDER TO HAVE SAFETY ALL JEWS SHOULD MAKE ALIYAH.THIS IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN HOWEVER IF ONLY 50% OF US ARE GOING THE SITUATION IN OUR COUTRY WOULD BE CONSIDERABLE BETTER.UNFORTUNATELY INSTEAD OF EMOTIONALLY SUPPORTING THE STATE WE STAY AWAY.THIS IN ITSELF IS WORRYSOME,WE HAVE GOTTEN TO COMFORTABLE IN OUR (TEMPORARY) LIFESTYLES.SEE YOU IN ERETZ.
REGARDS,
DOV

(10)
Anonymous,
November 5, 2001 12:00 AM

several things

the comment "Never was this was more profoundly expressed than by *THE* Jews of early 20th century Germany, who called Berlin 'the New Jerusalem'" is downright off color; MANY jews in Germany would have fervently disagreed with such a comparison, and there were indeed those who acted on their prayers and left FOR ISRAEL to form what became the well-known German Communities of Jerusalem and Israel, a great number
of the founders of Agudat Israel in Eretz Israel. Also aside from the mathematical difficulties of "menacheml"'s literal use of the Midrash, its ironic that *80%* of the "assimilated" non-Orthodox German Jews..ESCAPED the Holocaust, having left before it really began; the sources are everywhere to read.

(9)
Benjamin Rodkin,
November 4, 2001 12:00 AM

Alarmist

This article is in many ways fancifully alarmist. The problem with America is not that the gentiles hate us...its that they love us so mch they're marrying us into oblivion. Furthermore, poll after poll show strong American public support for Israel and America's alliance with it. Anti-semitism is down not up. The comparison to Germany or Europe of the 1920s or 1930s is ridiculous. First of all Germany did not have a long democratic tradition that our United States have. Secondly Germany always had anti-semitic political parties...where do you see a Jew hating party being elected in the USA???? And also, Jews in Germany were never as closely accepted there as they are here in America. Discrimination in Germany against the Jews was always at a high level...the same can't be said about my country. There are religious reasons for aliyah, that i agree, there are other reasons for aliyah as well...after all Israel is the Jewish Homeland. But ridiculous statements of our upcoming persacution in these United States are 100% ridiculous and alarmist.
G-d Bless America.

(8)
Joanne Millstone,
November 4, 2001 12:00 AM

Giving Up America

I refuse to give up on America, merely because her president (who did not win on a majority) is thick and some of her journalists are slanted. Yes, I have met a few anti-semites - not "looking Jewish" they feel comfortable in confiding in me, thinking I will understand. And I will meet them everywhere I go, not just here. But here is where I am, where I will stay.

I am older, sick, and single. Not good Israeli material - I would not be self-supporting, and Israel has no room for anyone who cannot support themselves. They have too many barnacles on the system as it is.

And I still say that Germany was not fated to become Nazi. Most Germans were against the Nazi Party, but did not think that their monsterous agenda could possibly come true. We in America know better, and keep watch on these organizations constantly.

Democracy in Germany was a very new idea - in the U.S. it is an old one. And the vast majority of Americans still believe that the State of Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish State. It is where many Senators are openly Jewish (both of mine are, as are several others) and one even ran for election for Vice President - that he did not get elected was less because he was Jewish and more because too many people believed that his party was tainted by his predecessor.

I shall stay with this country, and support Israel from here. There is no role for me there, but there is one here - to stay and fight the good fight in a country that is founded on principles that seperate church and state and respect the rights of each and every person on its soil to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our anti-semetic president notwithstanding, it is a wonderful country and I am proud to be a part of it. I will not abandon it, just because the man who seized power hates Jews. That's like saying he won, when the battle has not even been fought.

Finally, his father had very high ratings during the height of Desert Storm (when Israel was instructed to just sit tight and let herself be bombed) but was voted out of office right afterwards because the domestic situation was a mess. I predict this will happen again.

(7)
Joe Lutz,
November 4, 2001 12:00 AM

Another dispersion

I agree wholeheartedly about the non-permanent our status thoughout the entire world....Israel is the ultimate place. However, the tradegy of the admonition is that it is yet premature. According to the prophets, there is yet another tragic dispersion coming, AFTER (the unthinkable---"never again")horror that I believe the prophets say is coming inside the land ! God have mercy on all, and I do pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

(6)
Marc Esquenazi,
November 4, 2001 12:00 AM

Still in Exile

The lessons and story of our Teshuva are still not complete. Until we have become the Perfected Jew of the the last book of Moses in particular the passages whereby by G-d will circumcise our hearts the Galut will not be complete. In fact it appears to be far off as most Jews in the world today are not only far off from Teshuva (although there seems to be a small movement towards teshuva) We are as far away as we can be. For now Israel still greatly depends on the U.S. hence, still many generations may pass before we all are back in Israel.

(5)
Menachem Leser,
November 4, 2001 12:00 AM

exactly on target

The author's analysis of the situation of Jews in America is right on target. However, it is not safe to assume that "one way or another we all make it home". Those who make no effort and spurn God's gift, a Jewish state in the land of Israel, should not anticipate being miraculously saved at the last minute. We should recall that according to our tradition, the Exodus from Egypt included only 20% of the Jewish population. The remaining 80% perished shortly before the redemption. Please come home - now and be a part of the redemption.

(4)
Anonymous,
November 4, 2001 12:00 AM

The Deafening Silence

I have approached several Orthodox rabbis here in the US with the question, "Why haven't we heard from rabbis/roshei yeshiva that American Jews should move to Israel, especially in these times?" My question is not rhetorical. I wonder, is the reason for their deafening silence that perhaps we SHOULDN'T go? Or because they are reluctant to say something if people might disregard it? I don't know. But I have not yet received a satisfactory answer to my question, and in my opinion, until our leadership will be willing to speak out publicly in support of settling in Israel, aliyah will continue only in a trickle - and, G-d forbid, let it not be too late for the rest of us!

(3)
Anonymous,
November 4, 2001 12:00 AM

An honest analysis of alarming prospects!

I agree with the author's analysis of the situation. All too often I hear people expressing disbelief that any danger could be directly aimed at Jews in the "Politically Correct Democracy" called America - yet my answer to this is always - go learn about life from our millenia-old history. The pattern is old yet, unfortunately, well proven - Exile is Exile is Exile. One way out of this pattern is to show Hashem that we no longer feel comfortable in exile -we want HOME... The merits that come from the hardships of setling in the Holy Land will, Please G-d, speeden up the coming of the redemption in our own Promised Land. Thank you Tefilla Buxbaum for highlighting the Issue!

(2)
Doris Lee,
November 4, 2001 12:00 AM

God Bless Israel and the U.S.A

Israel and The Jewish people have always had a place in my heart. I hope and pray that the current conflicts don't injure Americas relationship with them.I hope we can stand together to fight the evils we are faced with, and never let our allegiance falter.